Fall
is Cross Country season
In
the United States, Cross Country is a Fall sport in the middle school, high
school, college and open ranks of the running community. The South Georgia area
has many participants in this sport and the numbers are growing. In particular,
there are a number of middle schools that have offered this opportunity to their
students and the students responded in large numbers. As the numbers of student
athletes grows in the sport, so will the expectations, performances and
traditions.
The Valdosta and surrounding areas have been given an opportunity to enjoy
weekly cross country runs through the cooperation of the Valdosta Lowndes Parks
and Recreation Department and Get Active Running and more. On July 12th
and every Thursday evening since at 7PM, an all-comer cross country event has
been made available at Freedom Park where people can run a 1 mile distance or a
5K distance. People have come from
as far as Tallahassee, Fitzgerald and Berrien to participate, in their
preparation for the upcoming cross country season. Elementary, Middle and High
School runners have been running in the weekly events as well as college, open
and masters runners. The number of people utilizing this opportunity has more
than doubled from last year. Events
like these help improve the level of competition so that the individuals who
utilize the events will be better prepared for their upcoming season. The end
results should be seen at the Region and State level competition.
Freedom Park will host a couple of high school meets this year through Valdosta
High School. There is an early season invitational in September, and this year
Valdosta High School will host the Region 1 5A Cross Country Championships in
early November.
Cross Country is another sport that the South Georgia area can excel in; it will
take commitment from the participants and parents, utilizing opportunities made
available and expectations of excellence.
I look forward to the time when South Georgia is revered as a contender at the
High School and College level year after year.
Other events coming up include the last of the All-Comer Cross Country races
that have been available every Thursday evening starting at 7 PM at Freedom
Park. The last Thursday is August 9th. There is a 1 mile event and the 5K event
immediately following the 1 mile. This event is open to all-comers; there is no
cost, no frill event. Middle School, High School and College runners as well as
fitness runners of all ages would certainly benefit from the opportunity this
presents. You are invited to come and enjoy. This series is only available with
the cooperation of the Valdosta-Lowndes Park and Recreation Department and Get
Active – Running and more.
VSU Centennial 5K is being presented for its 2nd year on August 18th.
Applications are available at the VSU Recreation Department web site.
Kevin’s Race to End Cancer is a new event to raise awareness and money for the
American Cancer Society and their event will be held on August 25th
in Valdosta. The event includes a 5K, 2 mile and 1mile.
Winnersville Triathlon will be held on 09/08/07 and starts at 7:30 AM. Flyers
are available now. The distances include 0.25 mile swim, 14 mile bike and 3.6
mile run. Many are in training for this local Valdosta event; you too can be a
part. If you are not comfortable with all three events, there is a relay offered
as well. The YMCA Valdosta is offering help on the swimming preparation –
check with them on what they are offering. Get your family or friends together
and each takes a leg of the event. Keep listening to NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA on
Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM, to get updates and training
suggestions/opportunities. On August 29th, one of the organizers will
be the guest and the topic will only be about the triathlon. The show starts at
6PM every Wednesday evening on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA.
Wendy’s and Wild Adventures are teaming up to present the Wendy’s 5K Wild
Adventures Run for Adoption to be held at Wild Adventures Theme Park. September
29th needs to be set aside for you and the family to be involved with
this event. Applications are now available at the store or we will email you a
copy. Go to www.getactivevaldosta.com
and request an application and one will be sent quickly.
Monday, August 13th there is a Fitness 101 class offered for people
interested in finding out how to start or improve their walking or running
programs. Class starts at 7PM at Get Active – Running and more store on North
Ashley Street – use www.getactivevaldosta.com
to get the directions.
There
are weekly, FREE activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. Runners
can show up at Get Active on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for runs from
1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. Thursday morning is a women’s ONLY run, and the other
runs are all-comers. Cyclists can meet for rides on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.
Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend?
Send, email or call the information in to me at Get Active – Running and more.
If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an
email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com
to get connected. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Wednesday
evenings from 6 to 7PM on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA to receive additional
information or to ask questions.
Thank
you,
Todd
& Alice Smoot
GET
ACTIVE
Running
and more
GET
ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA
as
heard on
NewsTalk
105.9 FM WVGA
Wednesdays
6
to 7 PM - call into the show at 229-241-1059
GET
ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA
as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C
North Ashley Street
Valdosta,
GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012
(F)
In
the long run, one must have goals to succeed.
"To
give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve
Prefontaine